Field-Tested: Ron L.
Ron has been a committed supporter of Home Range since our humble beginnings. We are inspired by his story and are so grateful to be a part of it. Enjoy!
Before Enrolling in a Home Range Course:
I worked as a mechanical engineer for 24 years before being forced into early retirement at the end of 2020. After just two months of "retirement," I decided to pursue a second dream career by going back to school immediately. The idea of a second dream career originated during the Great Recession of 2008/2009. During that time, it was known that finding a worthwhile job would be challenging, so I committed to returning to school in 2008 to become a biologist. However, my plan was derailed because I never lost my job. Reflecting on this, it was both good and bad: good because I was one of three engineers in my department who didn't lose their job; bad because I thought my dream of becoming a biologist would never come true.
My original challenges in pivoting to a different career included a lack of schooling, skills, and a network outside of engineering. The idea of returning to school in my late 40s was daunting. However, COVID-19 created a silver lining—online schooling. I researched legitimate schools and settled on Oregon State University. Despite my decision, I had some trepidation until I stumbled upon a podcast featuring someone who made a similar career shift 10 years prior. Inspired by his story, I committed to my new career path.
I began building a network by messaging dozens of biologists on LinkedIn, seeking connections and interviews. After a week of trying, I secured my first interview and, gradually, more followed. I was routinely made aware of the difficulties of entering this field during the interviews, but mentally I had already committed to succeeding, so I wasn’t deterred. To improve my prospects, I needed experience.
After months of applying for entry-level biology jobs with no interviews, I contacted a temp agency and got a two-week job at a fish hatchery. Although it was a boring job, I used the opportunity to network. This led to a five-month seasonal position as a park aid at Lake Wenatchee State Park and a subsequent role as a test fisher in the Puget Sound with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. That experience (along with my engineering background) landed me an interview and ultimately a job as a fisheries technician with Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG). Working with IDFG was a pivotal moment in my journey as this is when I started to visualize my future with a little more clarity, and it made me realize that I needed to supplement my on-the-job training.
A little bit of online research sent me to Home Range's website where they had a course being offered that would teach you practical field skills. I nearly had a heart attack when I read the details of the course…I had to sign up, it was exactly what I was looking for! Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was about to be introduced to some of the most talented and dedicated biologists.
Home Range:
Over the last couple of years, I've met people with biology degrees who couldn't break into the field. They often warned me that I might not get a job, but I believed they lacked the passion and/or desire to succeed. Anna, Carmen, and Becca are the biologists responsible for starting Home Range Wildlife Research and they have shown me what that dedication and passion actually looks like. After taking the Home Range course, my motivation soared. The course provided inspiration, clarity, and a clear path forward. The fireside chats and personal stories shared by seasoned professionals were invaluable and it is a great way to build your professional network. After taking the practical field training course, the motivational fire that was already burning inside of me was now roaring. The course was a huge inspiration to me and for the first time…I felt like I could really do this.
Field Tested is a series of alumni stories from HRWR field skills training courses and undergraduate internships.